Ocean Alliance, a non-profit organization that studies whales and ocean pollution, recently acquired the Tarr and Wonson copper paint factory buildings in Gloucester, MA. Built in 1860 and abandoned since the 1980’s, the four main buildings and amoeba-like connecting buildings are very much in decay. This decay was rather beautiful and my approach to the redesign of the buildings was to maintain these layers of history. An aspect very important to the iconic quality of the factory is the text painted on the buildings. This became an integral part of the design by creating a layer of screens to recreate and showcase the signage. The four main buildings were broken apart and reconnected by a pier system in order to allow for outdoor use of the waterfront site. Each building relates to the original construction in different ways; by imitation, preservation, restoration or integration of new materials with the decaying ruins.